Mercy Fitzgerald Healing Gardens

What was once an industrial rooftop with tar, HVAC equipment, and bare brick walls, is now a serene and inviting space full of blooming perennial shrubs and flowers and shaded by crape myrtles and Japanese Maple trees. It is an unexpected but welcome surprise as one turns the corner from various hallways on the ground and first floor of Mercy Fitzgerald—a garden at the heart of a hospital.

As Sister Donna Watto said at the virtual blessing and groundbreaking in 2020, “This is truly a place of serenity and beauty that will help soothe and heal tired and weary spirits.” Gardens have long been viewed as an important tool for healing the spirit, body, and mind; common sense to many, but also demonstrated in research studies.

“This is truly a place of serenity and beauty that will help soothe and heal tired and weary spirits.” – Sister Donna Watto

The long journey to reimagining this space could not have come at a better time as a global pandemic disrupted life for our community and healthcare teams. Thanks to the creative and compassionate vision of Mercy Fitzgerald colleagues and the financial support of several corporate partners, the garden became a reality in 2021. Colleagues, patients, and visitors will soon be welcome to use the space to take a break and reflect.